Heels & Souls: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

 
Music

Amidst a competitive industry there is a lot to be said for those who strive to better the lives of others. Heels & Souls is a London based non-profit party which hosts intimate events and club nights, pioneered by Ben and Pat the project was launched two years ago and has seen them play host to the likes of Charles Drakeford, Nick The Record and more. There is no strict focus on genre or style as such, simply good vibes to be found in plentiful supply. 

We caught up with the duo following their recent appearance at Farr Festival to talk about the future of the dance. They deliver as part of our 'Shine A Light On' series below:


Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Hi R$N! We’re Ben and Pat, aka Heels & Souls. London based, we’ve been running a series of parties under the pseudonym for over 2 years now, always donating the profits from each knees up to different charities. 

What does your music sound like? 

In terms of our sound, it’s pretty across the board, though there’s a soulful theme tying together much of what we play. Our fortnightly radio show on Reprezent Radio is perhaps the best reflection of our tastes, as away from the dancefloor we can dig a little deeper into the full breath of our interests. 

Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)? 

Our drawing skills are pretty minimal, but a good friend Abigail Bell made killer illustrations for some T’s we had made up! (picture attached) Dancing together with a whole host of different people in interesting spaces around the city.

Where was the mix recorded?

At Ben’s house on his 1210’s and E&S DJR400

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

Driving down the M25, racing to get to the rave before the acid kicks in.

What should we be wearing?

Wear whatever takes your fancy, we’re not ones to judge. Pat donned a particularly fetching sports bra at one point when we played Farr festival if anyone fancies branching out.

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

If we could transplant Brilliant Corners’ set up into a Mediterranean beachside villa that would be pretty perfect.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Ben’s choice: Loui$ – Pink Footpath
Patrick’s: V.O – Mashisa 

What’s your favourite recorded mix of all time?

For the sheer amount of listens and the influence it had on developing both our tastes it’s gotta be the first You’re A Melody recording from Plastic People – Floating Points, Red Greg, Jeremy Underground. 

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Larry Levan because he’s a god among us mere mortals and if we could be transported into Paradise Garage too, even better!

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

Ben – Pair of technics 1210 mkII’s and a Behringer DJX400 acquired on my behalf by my good friend Tom from a suspicious looking guy in a white transit at Bolton Wanderers car park. Now that piece of junk mixer has been swapped out for an E&S DJR400.

Pat – I was rocking a Hercules DJ Console RMX with a pirated copy of Virtual DJ whilst I had my training wheels on. Thankfully I got rid of that pretty fast and now have some 1210 MK 3D’s and my trusty Allen & Heath Xone 22. 

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

The track you start on because it sets the tone so you can build into something where you have the ability to play the track you want to end on.

What were the first and last records you bought?

Ben:
First – Bonobo – The North Borders
Last – Johnny Harris – Odyssey 

Patrick: 
First – Najee – Betcha Don’t Know What’s Going On 
Last – Various artists – Musica Per L’Immagine (on Fly By Night Music – shouts to Lorenzo!)

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

The mix covers quite a few different genres from US house to Italo and ending on a South African number.
So a starter of BBQ ribs. Then a Quattro Formaggi pizza for main. And to finish, a bottle of chilled Stellenbosch Desert Wine.

If it was an animal what would it be?

A Panda Bear because Ben’s half Chinese and Pat’s a xenophobe.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

Air’s eponymous album from 1971, as mixing anything into that journey would be sacrilegious. 

Upcoming in the world of… 

We’ve got a busy end to the festival season, playing at Truck Festival this weekend before closing summer up with sets at Lost Village and Dimensions. Whilst plugging we’ve also got our next party on the 22nd of September at Haunt on Stoke Newington Road. Lovely basement space with a banging Void soundsystem! 

Anything else we need to discuss?

Shouts to our man Chris Airplays, who we help run The Diggers with. Keep your eyes peeled for the 3 of us playing around London under this moniker, and we’ll hopefully be putting on another record fair in the new year! 


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